Tavarua

Location: Based in Cape Town

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Artist Info

Tavarua is a dynamic duo that formed in 2009, and has since performed at a variety of shows, gigs, and events around South Africa. They have developed a romantic, acoustic ambience, which is highly suitable for intimate occasions such as weddings and restaurant dining.

The repertoire includes some soulful music, including well-known jazz standards, and covering artists like Norah jones, Corrinne Bailey Rae, Katie Melua, Michael Buble and Natalie Cole amongst others. If a more upbeat atmosphere is required, Tavarua is more than capable of getting the party started, with a wide selection of foot-tapping tunes. Everything they play takes on the special quality and unique style that is Tavarua. Because of their unique combination of abilities, they also offer a Duo/DJ combo (subject to availability of Neil), making them your ideal entertainment, whether it’s fine and mellow, or upbeat, hip and happening!

The core duo is Lynne and Neil, but occasionally, Aldert steps in when Neil is unavailable.

Members

LYNNE studied jazz at UCT, majoring in composition and arrangement. Her list of performance credits include: UCT College Big Band (lead vocalist), Cole Porter Under Your Skin, The Poulsens Do The Carpenters(Artscape), What A Feeling - The Ultimate Eighties Show (On Broadway), Girltalk (Richard Loring), The 6 Voices Project, Diva RSA (Sarah Theron) and Natural Woman (Barnyard Theatre). She performs regularly at The One and Only Hotel.

NEIL BENJAMIN has been working in the music industry for the last ten years as a guitar player, DJ, producer and writer. His original outfit, MACSTANLEY, has seen some of his music hit both national and international charts and the band has just completed their 3rd album. Other musical interests include DJ’ing and electro music, which has seen Neil collaborate with some of Cape Town’s best to create a fresh and vibey outfit combining the live element electro. Most recently Neil has been working with local jazz musicians in various outfits in and around Cape Town.

ALDERT DU TOIT has a BMUS Jazz Education Degree (PGCE), with distinctions in Jazz Guitar and Jazz Improvisation from University of Cape Town. He has worked as a session guitarist on several high profile shows, including The Annual World AIDS Day Gala Concert, Skouspel and Heineken Symphonic Rocks. He has worked on the musical theatre productions: Dirty Dancing, Grease and Jesus Christ Superstar. He has also worked with artists like Karen Zoid, Nianell, Loyiso Bala, Arnos Carstens, Elvis Blue, and Brandon October, amongst others.

Client Feedback

From what I heard it was a party of NOTE!! Please thank them from me – they were fantastic and really went the extra mile.Noreen Swartz, Timeless Weddings

They were super! Thank you!Jacqui Lanning, No Ordinary Fish

On behalf of Absolute Collection, we would just like to express our appreciation for all the hard work, effort and attention to detail that went into Cindy’s wedding. The event was a huge success in all aspects and we received great and positive feedback from the client. The entire day was an absolute reflection of Cindy’s dreams and aspirations. We thank you for walking this journey with us in making her dreams a reality.Michelle Bothma, Absolute Collection

Everyone loved them!! I passed on your details to two people who have weddings coming up, and I also told Tavarua what excellent service I received from Five Seasons. Thanks again!
Alicia Valentine, Fugro Surveys Africa

Yes, Tavarua was a great hit! Thank you for all your assistance.Tanya Roodman, Cliffe Dekker